Adamson University boasts a lengthy roster of exceptional pitchers who have led the institution to dominant title runs, a streak that has persisted for a decade.
However, despite still having the reigning Best Pitcher and Finals MVP, Glory Alonzo, in their lineup, Coach Ana Santiago shocked everyone at the onset of the ongoing UAAP Season 86 tournament by assigning April Minanga to the mound against the University of Santo Tomas.
Minanga, a native of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, ultimately delivered for the Lady Falcons with a no-relief effort, resulting in a 3-0 victory against the Tiger Softbelles.
For her, it was all a result of trusting the process.
“Para sa ‘kin, alam ko naman na darating rin ‘yung time ko. Sakaling ako naman ‘yung paglalaruin ni coach, hindi ko palalampasin na ipakita ‘yung best ko,” the second-year pitcher said.
Being on the sidelines also has its benefits for Minanga, as she was able to study and analyze the game; something she utilized in another thrilling encounter with the University of the Philippines.
“Last year, habang nanunuod ako sa kanila, natutunan ko kung paano lalo na sa mga sitwasyon na nape-pressure. Katulad kanina na may mga runner po, dapat tatagan mo lang ‘yung loob mo at tsaka kaya mo dapat i-handle ‘yung pressure sa ganong situation,” she shared.
When the Fighting Maroons slowly found their hitting stride against the Ilongga upstart, Minanga was recalled to her former viewpoint and, again, watched the game from another perspective.
However, when she returned to the mound, she eventually closed it out and completed the first-round sweep for Adamson.
“Nung nasa dugout ako, nasabi ko na kailangan ako ng team ko; naniwala ako na akin ‘tong laban na ‘to,” she said.
“Nagtiwala rin ako sa mga kasama ko na ‘pag natamaan ‘yung bola ko kaya nilang depensahan. Kaya kahit fifth inning na at nasa likod na kami, kaya naming habulin ‘yung score ng kalaban.”
